“Teen Angel” by Mark Dinning

The sweet song “Teen Angel” hit number one in the charts back in 1960. Written by Jean Dinning and performed by both her husband and her brother, Mark Dinning, the slow melody sings of the sweetness and tragic death of a 16 year old girl.

The death occurs while the girl is out for a car ride with her boyfriend. At first, the car stalls on the train tracks and he manages to pull her to safety. Then, unexpectedly, she runs back and is killed by the train. The unknown narrator reveals that she was clutching a high school ring in her hand.

It’s a heart breaking song about the death of a teen. Dinning’s melody explores the mystery and complexities of youthful life, particularly in relation to death, in a way that is still very relevant today.

 “Answer me, please?”

– Jean Dinning

This classic memorial song references the teen as a metaphor of both a sweet, angelic girl and an angel in heaven above. Our unknown narrator sings of true love and his teen love, watching him from heaven above. He begs “Answer me, please?”

As is typical of songs from this era, the guitar part strums along with an outpour of saccharine lyrics. The words truly grab one’s heart; they speak in a most lovely way of the tragic death of a teen. With its poignant melody and touching lyrics, “Teen Angel” is appropriate for perhaps the most tragic of memorial services.

Teen angel, teen angel, teen angel, ooh, ooh

Teen Angel (song) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

That fateful night the car was stalled
upon the railroad track
I pulled you out and we were safe
but you went running back

Teen angel, can you hear me
Teen angel, can you see me
Are you somewhere up above
And I am still your own true love

What was it you were looking for
that took your life that night
They said they found my high school ring
clutched in your fingers tight

Teen angel, can you hear me
Teen angel, can you see me
Are you somewhere up above
And I am still your own true love 

Read the rest of the lyrics here.

Read more memorial songs and says in our past A Rite of Passage.

For step-by-step help on planning a memorial service or remembrance event see our Planning Guide.